Becoming an adult can feel uncertain for any young person, but you can get support and advice to help plan your future and live independently
Get support with choosing a school or college, finding a job, staying healthy, managing money, and connecting with the community. It’s a good idea to start by thinking about what you enjoy, what you're good at, the kind of life you want, and who can help you.
Legal status
Young people’s legal status and decision-making rights change when they turn 16 and again at 18 years old.
From age 16, the Mental Capacity Act says young people are presumed to have the ability to make their own decisions.
This means they can decide things like:
- what’s in their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- how their Personal Budget is used
- whether they want to stay in education or training
The SEND Code of Practice encourages parents and carers to stay involved in these decisions. Many young people still need support to understand their choices and plan for the future.
If a young person is assessed as not being able to make a decision on their own, find out more about the Mental Capacity Act.
At 18, they can:
- make their own legal decisions
- receive letters and communication addressed directly to them
- have control over their own money, including benefits
- be asked to contribute financially to some services or support they receive
Parents no longer have legal parental responsibility once their child turns 18. However, many young people still rely on the support, advice, and care of their parents and others as they move into adulthood.
Education and work
Discover the support available to help you access secondary school, post-16 education, and the workplace.
Secondary school
If your young person has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), a transition plan will start at the Year 9 Annual Review and is updated every year, and they also can get exam support like extra time or a laptop
Post 16 education
You must stay in education or training until 18 by staying in school or college, starting an apprenticeship or supported internship, or working or volunteering while studying part-time
Post 18
The Employment and Disability Service (EADS) and Learning Independence Volunteering Employment (LIVE) team can help you access employment and maintain your independence. Access to work can provide support to help you manage your disability or health condition at work
Health and wellbeing
Learn about growing up, managing your health as an adult, and getting the mental health support you need.
Growing up
Contact for families with disabled children has helpful guides for parents and carers, as well as young people on growing up, sex and relationships
Managing your health
It's important to learn how to manage your own health; you can use a Health Passport to explain your needs, get annual health checks from age 14, receive free prescriptions until 18 (or longer in some cases), and join the Learning Disability Register for extra support
Mental health support
CAMHS may support you until age 18, with the transition to adult mental health services usually starting around 17; local support includes: Re:Start, The Lowdown, Espresso Yourself Cafés, and Crisis Cafés
Living independently
Learn how to manage money, understand the benefits you’re entitled to, explore housing options, get support to travel independently, and find ways to join in with your community.
Money management
Turn2US help you manage your finances, young people who can’t make financial decisions may need someone to help, like an appointee, Power of Attorney, or support from the Court of Protection
Benefits
Use a benefits calculator to check what you could be entitled to, you can apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from age 16, Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) supports to cover the study-related costs
Housing
There are several housing options to consider including living at home, supported living services through the NHS, Shared Lives (where you live with a carer), and residential care
Travel
Learn how to travel independently with post-16 travel assistance, Disabled Persons Railcard, Disabled Person’s Bus Pass, Blue Badge or Passenger Assist for help when using public transport
Community and social life
Join clubs, sports, or arts groups, volunteer to gain experience and meet new people, and use local leisure services, which must make reasonable adjustments to support your needs
Support Offer
Search our directory to find council, local organisations and government support you into adulthood
The Local Offer
The Local Offer team publish information on this website about services available for children and young people (aged 0 to 25) with special educational needs and disabilities in North Northants
Social care support
We aim to start working with a young person from the age of 16 (if not before). If support is required once you turn 18, we look to work with you and your circle of support to ensure that this is in place.
Where possible, a worker from Adult Social Care will aim to attend the Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) review in year 11. Information, advice and guidance can be given at this point about what Adult Social Care can and cannot do.
Request an assessment
If you have a NCT Children’s worker, they can make a referral for you using their internal referral processes. If you have a worker in any other department or organisation e.g. an education or health professional, they can make a professional referral or you can make a self-referral below.
You can also call 0300 126 3000, and select Option 1, Option 2 and Option 1.